A significant concern regarding pediatric medication safety was raised during the Assembly Health meeting on October 17, 2024, as experts highlighted alarming statistics about prescription errors in children. A pediatric pharmacist, with over a decade of experience, presented compelling evidence that one in three pediatric prescriptions contains errors, a statistic drawn from the 2023 USP medication error report.

The pharmacist emphasized the unique challenges faced in pediatric care, noting that 85% of medications prescribed to children are off-label. This situation is exacerbated by the limited pharmacology training pediatricians receive, which typically covers only a small number of core medications. As children’s health needs become more complex, pediatricians often defer medication management to subspecialists, leading to a lack of oversight in medication adjustments.

The pharmacist pointed out that retail pharmacists are not required to have pediatric education, resulting in a significant gap in expertise when it comes to dosing medications for children. This lack of specialized training contributes to the high rate of medication errors, as many pharmacists do not have access to critical information such as a child's weight, which is essential for accurate dosing.

In response to these challenges, the pharmacist shared successful outcomes from a pilot program implemented in New Jersey, where pediatric pharmacists were integrated into the care of children with complex medical needs. The program demonstrated a remarkable 44% reduction in hospitalizations and a significant decrease in the average number of medications prescribed per child, leading to an annual cost savings of $11,000 per child.

The pharmacist urged state officials to consider mandating the inclusion of pediatric pharmacists in healthcare teams to enhance medication safety for children. This call to action highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable pediatric patients from medication errors and improve overall health outcomes. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore this critical issue and its implications for pediatric healthcare in New Jersey.